School Bus Driver

School Bus Driver

The Bus Driver

15 Years Experience

South, ..

Female, 37

I have been a bus driver since late 2006. I know the inside story, the scoop, the down low dirt of what it takes to be a bus driver, how to handle kids and adults, and how to survive on the "streets" so to speak. I used to have a blog, feel free to browse it or ask me a question here.

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Last Answer on February 07, 2021

Best Rated

Why are people on this form always asking if things are legal? Do you think they are trying to get a bus driver in as much trouble as they can?

Asked by 23423 over 7 years ago

I don't think they are attempting to get drivers in trouble, but rather its a combination of the entitlement complex followed by ignorance of the actual rules. There is an indignation of "can a bus driver actually do x" that many people don't get that we can do it and will do it. Assigning seats is a common frustration. People in general do not like to be told what to do, yet in order to pass certain things we have to follow certain rules. For example, you cannot just drive a car because you want to. You have to have an idea what speed limits are and what the rules of the road are before getting behind the wheel.

Today I said a bad word and the bus driver said I would have to find another rude home this afternoon and the next three days. Being this is my FIRST write up he usually gives warrings the first time. Do you think I was singled out?

Asked by Erin about 7 years ago

Short answer, no. Don't cuss. Long answer maybe write an apology to him and step to the bus this afternoon with it. Explain that it isn't your normal way of acting and offer to sit in the front for a few days in lieu of getting kicked off. If he holds firm then say thank you anyways and gracefully walk away and find a ride.

Can a school district buy a 20 year old bus fix it up, get all the safety specifications, and make it like brand then put it back into service legally? I know they can keep a bus as long as they want but what about buying old and older buses?

Asked by Forg about 7 years ago

Legally speaking, I am not sure. I suppose if mileage is right and they can get some use out of it, i suppose they could do that. Most systems won't use buses older than 20 years but many of our buses are that old if not older.

Can a school buses strobe light be amber or does it only have to be white?

Asked by 93 over 7 years ago

Strobe lights on top of the buses are clear. It looks like its white when it flashes but thats just the cover over the light.

Is sticking the PA microphone up to a speaker a good way to get kids attention?

Asked by Mike about 7 years ago

Sure?

Do you ever do cross country trips or do they usually hire a charter service for them?

Asked by 435345 about 7 years ago

Cross country as in the sport yes. Cross country as in longer than 5 to 7 hours... generally that depends on the trip coordinator whether they get charter or lowball pay us.

Are school buss drivers allude to take a students phone away from them in Ohio

Asked by Elliot over 7 years ago

Yes if the phone is causing a distraction and it is school policy. The school bus is the extension of the classroom and is basically a mobile moving classroom. Do something stupid with your phone, lose the privilege of having it on the bus.